New study suggests lack of exercise, rather than overeating is impacting our waistlines

The LA Times has recently reported on a study by researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine showing that a lack of exercise rather than overeating is behind the American obesity epidemic. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-lack-of-exercise-linked-to-rise-in-obesity-20140707-story.html

The study reviewed the period between 1988 and 2010 and found during this time;

• The number of females who reported doing no exercise in their free time increased from 19% to 52%
• The number of males who reported doing no exercise in their free time increased from 11% to 43%
• The prevalence of obesity increased from 25% to 35% in women
• The prevalence of obesity increased from 20% to 35% in men
• The number of daily calories consumed has remain largely unchanged from 1988 to 2010

In Australia, 66% of our population are overweight or obese and our lifestyle choices are not dissimilar to the Americans. This study backs recent Australian public health messages on minimising sitting time, the importance of regular exercise and the role that personal trainers and other fitness professionals have in helping our clients to remove barriers and prioritise time for exercise to reduce obesity rates and improve our health.

-Kristin Lewis